The Colorado Buffs are currently the hottest team in the nation. Through the leadership of Hall of Famer Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders, the Buffs have transcendent sports media. Their non-stop media coverage has everyone looking at them and how they will fare week to week. Now at 3-0 with two, one-score games, the Buffs have not dominated, but they have made people take notice. 

Going into Week 4, they face their toughest competition yet. The Buffs head to Eugene, Oregon to face conference opponent Oregon. Many analysts do not think that the Buffs have a chance against a talented and experienced Oregon team. While the Buffs have a revamped roster, there is no shortage of talent at their disposal. The Ducks are currently 3-0 as well and have scored an impressive amount of points thus far. Despite their points, the Ducks may have a tougher test this weekend than many expect. 

Oregon Run Game

The largest advantage that Oregon has over the Colorado Buff football team is the ability to run the ball. Oregon is averaging nearly 230 rushing yards per game in 2023, which ranks 11th in the country. The Oregon running backs have combined for over 7 yards per carry. On the other hand, the Colorado Buffs are dead last in the league in rush defense with nearly 200 yards surrendered on average. It can be argued that the Buffs have faced stiffer competition, but the numbers are pretty drastic. Oregon’s ground defense isn’t amazing considering they are 3rd in the conference in rush defense, but the Colorado offense is only averaging 60 yards per game on the ground. The ground game is the clear answer for Oregon to have the advantage this game.

The Oregon Ducks ground game is impressive and the Colorado Buffs defense is not. The biggest test for Colorado will be to find an answer to slow down the Oregon run and force Bo Nix to make mistakes. 

Bo Nix vs Shedeur Sanders

The difference between Bo Nix and Shedeur Sanders is simply in their mobility. While Bo Nix will use his legs to get things done, Shedeuer Sanders is more likely to stay in the pocket and find his options. Regardless, both quarterbacks are the best players for their team and will need to be precise to win this game. 

It is likely that the game will come down to who can score more points. Neither defense is exceptional, and both offenses are dynamic in putting up points. So far this season, Oregon has a slight advantage in the amount of points, but Shedeur’s ability to drive down the field in clutch moments has been his calling card. Both quarterbacks make great decisions and have not turned the ball over by their own accord. Whichever quarterback can get the ball last will likely have the best chance to win. 

Prediction: Oregon 55 Colorado 48 

Writer

Written By: Lemarkus Bailey

Week 2: (3) Alabama vs (11) Texas 

In this Week 2 matchup, Texas looks to finally beat Alabama in a game that has playoff implications. Both teams are 1-0 and look nearly even in terms of talent. With Texas sitting at #11 and Alabama sitting nicely at #3, the stakes of this game are incredibly high. 

The most evident gap is in the front 7, with Alabama being an experienced group with talent depth. DE Justin Eboigbe is an experienced starter. He is relentless off the edge and heavy enough to play interior. He is extremely powerful at the point of attack and has crazy speed on the perimeter. The front rotates heavily with not much drop-off to the next group. Jaheim Oates is a hoss upfront. As a freshman in 2022, Oates saw significant playing time.

The offensive line for Texas is good, but not great. They have a few young starters playing with the strength of the line coming from the right side. The rotation and multiple front defense that Alabama shows will be a challenge for Quinn Ewers and the Texas offense. Ewers will likely have to get the ball in playmakers' hands fast and lean on his running backs in the run-and-pass game. 

The WR/DB matchup seems even with both teams having a pair of good receivers. Texas has the upper hand in terms of dynamic receivers with Adonai Mitchell and Xavier Worthy being two of the top receivers in the nation. These guys are explosive and can carry an offense if given the opportunity. Ewers will need these two to come up big. 

When I am evaluating a matchup, if the teams seem evenly matched in terms of ability, I will default to the strength of the QB play. Jalen Milroe is not a better quarterback than Ewers, but he has more ability in terms of extending plays. In this matchup, I will defer to Alabama. If this game becomes a heavily contested defensive battle, the playmaking ability of Milroe will be the X-Factor. If Milroe is able to protect the ball, I see Alabama winning this game by way of constant ball movement and clock control. If this becomes a passing battle, I do not think that strategy works to Alabama’s strengths.  

Prediction: Alabama 32 Texas 21

Player Information:

Name: Adetomiwa Adebawore

School: Northwestern

Position: DL/DT

Jersey #: 99

Height/Weight: 6’2’’ 280 

Alignment/Scheme: Strong Side Defensive End, 3 Tech

Games Watched: Vs Duke, vs Miami(OH), vs Illinois, vs Maryland, vs Nebraska 

Major Factors: # Notes:

Grading Scale:       9 - Special  8 - All-Pro  7.5 - Pro Bowler  7 - Good Starter  6.5 - Avg. Starter  6 - Good Backup  5.5 - Role Player  5 - Developmental

Athletic Ability: 6.5 Adebawore is a tough, physical player that goes the extra mile each play to do his job. He isn’t athletically gifted, but he makes up for it in his assignments. Against longer, larger players, he typically can get absorbed. 

Strength & Explosion: 6.5 His stature is low to the ground compared to his matchups. At 280 lbs, he is the average weight for an NFL DE, but in the Big 10 against larger offensive lineman, he often would be at the disadvantage in straight pass rush. His strength is in run support on stunts. 

Competes: 7 Very competitive. Will chase down a play from the backside and work to get to the perimeter on screen game or outside run. 

Production: 5 5.0 sacks, 9.0 tackles for loss, and 38 total tackles in 2022. Led the team in sacks. 

Mental/Learning: 7 4 Year contributor at Northwestern that improved in every statistical category year to year. 

Injury History: ? Unknown

Player Summary:

Report: Adetomiwa Adebawore on paper is the prototype defensive end in the NFL, however, once you turn on the tape, you get more dimension in his game. Adebawore is not the traditional NFL pass rusher that can rush from a multitude of positions. Adebawore is a high-motor end that is extremely compact in his playstyle. Against larger Tackles, Adebawore is often at disadvantage due to his lack of relative length, but because of his low center of gravity, he can keep a constant push. Since he is compact and strong, he is also able to play from the interior as well. 

Strengths: His first step is elite and he uses his intensity to get on larger offensive lineman quickly. Laterally, Adebawore is solid and is able to turn his shoulders to get into gaps rather quickly. He uses his hands very well despite his arm length not being exceptional. He does not get pushed off the spot easily, but he does not command a double team from the inside either. I would categorize Adebawore as a true two-down defensive end because of his true run-support ability. Although he is able to rush the passer, his true strength is in the run game. 

Weakness: Size. At 6’2 and 280 lbs, Adebawore is not a speed rusher. Against NFL offensive tackles, he will likely get lost in a straight rush. He will benefit from movement and stunts. Contain is a concern with Adebawore because he does not change direction extremely well. On the edge, Adebawore does not change direction exceptionally well either, but he has a motor.  

Adebawore has the skill set of a player like Brandon Graham. He can develop into this type of player with development. If he can improve his pass rush tool belt, Adebawore will be a household name in the NFL. 

Pro Comparison: Brandon Graham

Round/Grade: 3rd-4th Round 

ITH Writer/COO

-By: LeMarkus Bailey